Good workouts strengthen mind, body and soul

Celebrity fitness trainer Cindy Jourdain talks about why it is important to eat right and stick to a fitness routine

Two things that have dominated celebrity fitness trainer Cindy Jourdain’s life are ballet and fitness. A ballerina from the Royal Ballet Company in London, Cindy cannot imagine a day without hitting her fitness routine. Founder of Bootcamp, a holistic fitness camp in Bandra in Mumbai, Cindy believes that respecting the body will strengthen the mind, soul and improve the quality of life. Cindy has trained Bollywood celebrities such as Katrina Kaif, Jaqueline Fernandez and Shradha Kapoor. In the city recently for Fit Bengaluru, a wellness festival, Cindy talks to Metrolife about her passion for fitness.

What is your personal workout regime like?
I’m very involved in my Bootcamp classes. I always demonstrate fully, and sometimes even join the gang to keep them motivated and get a good workout myself. I always have a full day on my feet. My goal is to maintain my flexibility as well as my ability to move extremely well for as long as I can.

Do celebrities have a common workout regime or do you end up devising different strategies for each?
Celebrities train for the camera mostly, so the strategy has to be different. One has to look at the overall approach to their health. Film and TV or even live performance is very unforgiving, it’s not just your body on show, but the full package and that requires a little more tuning. Nutrition has to be bespoke, and their lifestyle accounted for.

What are your recommendations for people who don’t like to work out but still want to stay fit?
Maybe one could start with more moderate activities. I would always recommend spending time outdoors - play, laugh, nurture relationships, chase personal goals, meditate and take some time out to unwind and rejuvenate.

What super-foods that you would recommend?
I have been a big fan of super-foods that promote energy production and assist mental function. So goji berries, blueberries and almonds are often in my daily smoothie.
A good salmon steak with broccoli and sweet potatoes will always be on my list for super fuel. I would also recommend people to consider algae such as Spirulina for faster metabolism and energy boost.

What’s your go-to sugar-free treat?
If we’re being honest, every treat we are after has sugar in it. I would say that if you’re going to indulge in what makes your heart tingle, go for it and enjoy it fully! Just remember to account for it and don’t fall into the pattern of needing it every time. I personally love ice cream and that will never be sugar-free (laughs).

Tips for a good start to a day

• Early to rise
• Lemon water followed by Flax tea for alkaline and digestive soothing benefits
• Hot and cold showers (finish with cold)
• Phone and laptop outside the bedroom for the first 30 mins of waking up
• Add berries to your morning breakfast
• Five tips for someone who has a desk job
• Stand up every 30 mins and get a walk in
• Get a backrest for your working chair
• Use your lunch hour to get out of the office and move
• Sip water throughout the day
• Swap coffee with green tea or herbal options